One of the most difficult tasks during your fantasy football draft
is trying to decide between two players you essentially see as having
identical value. The purpose of this article is to not only identify
pairs of players that are considered of equal value in 2018, but
also take a look at the process of solving those dilemmas. With
that in mind, here are two running backs whose values look to be
nearly, if not totally identical.
You're in the middle of Round 1 and looking
for an anchor running back. Which RB do you choose?
Whereas some highly touted college running backs enter into the
NFL and disappoint from a fantasy perspective, these two have largely
excelled with Gordon three years in the league to Fournette’s
one. Both are being drafted within a whisker of each other so the
question looms - which is the better pick on draft day?
Both play on teams that are likely to win more games than they lose
- always a good stat for a running back. Both are the unquestioned
No.1 running back on their respective teams. So, the analysis that
decides this dilemma has to start with something else.
How about yards per carry? Identical 3.9 yards per tote. Touchdowns?
That would be advantage Gordon (12-10 last year), but Fournette
did miss three games. Touches per game played were almost identical
also. In the end, no two RBs look more alike than these two but
we need a
ruling...
First 4 games for Gordon: KC, @BUF, @LAR, SF
First 4 games for Fournette: @NYG, NE, TEN, NYJ
The Verdict: Judges, we have a split
decision. Gordon had 22 more receptions than Fournette last season
and is more to see action on third downs. That gives him the nod
in PPR leagues as his role in the offense expanded last season and
should remain stable this year.
That being said, in non-PPR leagues, that slim advantage for Gordon
is negated and you have to factor in Jacksonville’s likelihood
of playing from ahead most of this season. That plays into Fournette’s
hands and the fact that he’s shed some pounds should help
him break off a few more explosive runs. Again, it’s close
with these two, but PPR vs. Non-PPR is the key to making the call.
